Member Article

Smoking Gun makes a splash as it takes gold and is appointed by Olympian led swim and gymnastics brands

A collection of brands led by Olympians, all under the Sporting House banner, has appointed Smoking Gun to handle their public relations account after a competitive three way pitch.

The brands seek to deliver swimming and gymnastics at grassroots level, to communities across the UK and has already reached a combined 30,000 children per week this year through their activities.

The agency has been appointed to handle strategic communications campaigns and media relations and for all brands within the group, to drive national and regional awareness with parents and within the sport and education sectors.

Originally founded by Olympic swimmers Steve Parry and Adrian Turner, the group now encompasses a number of brands including Beth Tweddle Gymnastics, Becky Adlington’s SwimStars and Total Swimming Academies.

The swim brands are focused on ensuring all children are able to swim, while the construction arm of the business delivers purpose built swimming pools across the UK to give children more opportunities and facilities to learn.

Beth Tweddle Gymnastics is a place for children to learn fundamental skills, while the coaching arm of the business will be dedicated to producing talented gymnastic coaches and arming them with the qualifications they need to succeed.

Olympic medal winner Steve Parry, Sporting House founder and director, said: “The team at Smoking Gun blew us away with its creativity, execution and understanding of our business. Its vast experience in media relations and expertise in health and wellbeing aligns perfectly with our new focus for the group.

“Through its Brand Voice process it has already revolutionised the way we think and will communicate about our family of brands, and we’re looking forward to progressing the partnership.”

Managing director of Smoking Gun, Rick Guttridge, said: “We welcome Sporting House to our growing roster of health and wellbeing clients. Our wealth of experience in this sector ensures we are fully equipped to deliver tangible business results whilst having some fun along the way. Seeing up close the drive and determination that enables humans to compete at the elite end of world sport and then turn that into credible and highly performing businesses is inspiring for myself and the Guns team.

“The Sporting House mission aligns well with our own Smoking Gun values, and it’s an honour to work alongside Olympians to firmly establish the brands’ presence and ensure they are recognised at a national level.”

The Manchester agency last year scooped two global awards for excellence in measurement and evaluation at the AMEC Awards and is ruthlessly focused on building its clients irresistible momentum through modern PR.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Green .